Voice Caddie TL1 Rangefinder: The Fastest Laser in Golf? (2024 Review Update)

You know, I never gave a lot of consideration to how fast a rangefinder spits out its information. That is, until I tested the Voice Caddie TL1.

I was mostly always focused on accuracy. And I typically gauged the believability of the numbers by how repeatedly the device could summon them. Meaning that if I shot a flag and the device read 148 one time, I was doubtful of its accuracy if it then read 145 and 151 when I pressed the button subsequent times.

But speed?

I always assumed they all worked about the same.

Let me tell you something: The Voice Caddie TL1 rangefinder with slope is so fast that as I tested it for this Voice Caddie TL1 review, that speed was immediately apparent. I’m talking about sighting a flag, pressing the button, and getting a number.

Like, instantly!

No hovering over the flag with your viewfinder while you press and re-press the button. Not with this thing. You scope it, you hit the button, and you get a distance in no time flat. It’s seriously crazy!

Alright, it’s fast (so, so fast!), but does that make it a great rangefinder? Not alone it doesn’t. After all, accuracy and reliability are still, to me, the biggest hallmarks in a rangefinder. And optics are high on the list as well.

So, is the Voice Caddie TL1 just the fastest gun in the west? Or is this thing a legit contender for the best overall golf rangefinder? Let’s break it down.

First Impressions of the Voice Caddie TL1 Golf Rangefinder

I found the packaging for the TL1 to be clean and classy; nothing awe-inspiring but definitely not cheap looking or feeling.

Upon opening the box, I was struck by the simple beauty of the device itself. The design is very clean and understated in a way that suggests quality. It doesn’t look glitzy or flashy, but it does look substantial and somewhat luxurious.

Picking up the device is when the real connection with quality resonated with me. This is the first rangefinder I’ve held that rivaled the heft and feeling of legitimacy you get in a Bushnell rangefinder. To me, Bushnell rangefinders have stood far and above the others in terms of a feeling of quality. Many competing brands feel too light, small, and cheap by comparison. The TL1 is on that same Bushnell level of quality. 

The Voice Caddie Rangefinder Carrying Case

Personally, I’m not a fan of the TL1 carrying pouch. It’s too large and clunky for my taste. It takes up too much space in my golf bag. The pouch doesn’t even provide a full enclosure around the device, instead leaving the rangefinder exposed on the top left and right corners when the case flap is closed.

To me, Bushnell and other brands like Garmin have carrying cases that are far superior. But I’d even prefer a cheaper-feeling canvas case, like with the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized. At least that case closes all the way and isn’t so bulky.

The TL1 rangefinder also comes with:

• A High-Quality Carabiner
• A Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
• A Silicone Sleeve (fits over the device to provide additional protection)
• A Battery
• The Owner’s Manual

I really like the included silicone sleeve. It doesn’t add any weight, and ergonomically, it makes the device fit perfectly, at least in my hand. I don’t see why you’d ever remove the protective sleeve.

The default protective sleeve color is a bright yellow, which I love. Why? Because anyone who’s ever owned a rangefinder has experienced the nightmare of losing it in the dark storage recesses of a cart. To me, the bright yellow makes it easier to notice your rangefinder and, therefore, harder to lose.

Additional protective sleeve colors are available for purchase.

I will say that I think over time, the silicone sleeve will get dirty. I haven’t experimented with how well or easily it might clean up.

So, aside from the carrying pouch, my first impression of the TL1 was that this thing is a high-quality rangefinder. And that’s what you should expect in a device at this price point.

Where Does Speed Rank in Finding the Best Rangefinder for Golf?

I’ve tested quite a few rangefinders over the past couple of years. I won’t say I’ve used every single one, but I’ve most certainly used many more than your average golfer.

I’m also very confident in saying that nobody has tried a rangefinder that gets yardages—actual and slope-adjusted—faster than the Voice Caddie TL1.

Voice Caddie says that the TL1 can produce an accurate measurement in 0.1 seconds. I can’t claim to have verified that specific time while doing this Voice Caddie TL1 review, but I can say that it basically delivers a readout instantaneously. I’ve never experienced a rangefinder that was faster.

Voice Caddie says the TL1’s impressive speed is made possible by their proprietary PIN TRACER™ technology. They claim to have unlocked a new measurement technique that quickly scans the entire pin and flag regardless of whether your hands or target are moving.

I’m not the type to dive too deep into the technical mumbo jumbo. Frankly, I find most of it to be marketing talk. Every rangefinder company cites some technological breakthrough as the reason their device is the best.

But I can tell you with definitive certainty based on actual first-person experience that this is one fast rangefinder. And the best part is that you know when you’ve locked onto your target as you get a significant vibration that you can both feel and hear.

With some rangefinders, you’re often not quite sure if you’ve nailed your target. The Voice Caddie TL1 leaves you with no doubt.

I’m Now All In on the Need for Speed

As I said, I didn’t previously put much stock into speed. But having experienced it, I’m changing my tune. It is such a nice luxury to get your numbers so fast. It really cuts down on what can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process of using a rangefinder.

Again, I’m not saying speed should be the only consideration in choosing a rangefinder. But after this Voice Caddie TL1 review, I’m sold on its importance.

Do these saved seconds amount to a massive difference in your round? Probably not. But once you’ve experienced fast, I think you’ll be a bit frustrated with anything slower.

Voice Caddie TL1 Features and Comparisons With Other Best Golf Rangefinder Options

As you’d expect from a top golf rangefinder, this Voice Caddie rangefinder is loaded with features and practical functionality. Among the high points, you’ve got:

• PIN TRACER™ (with an increased lock-on area)
• V-Algorithm™ (enhanced slope and GPS data)
• Integrated Magnet
• Auto Slope Switch (slope function can easily be turned on or off)
• 1,000 Yard Range
• 2-Color OLED
• 6X Optical Magnification
• Auto Brightness

The Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized is a good comparison because both devices claim excellent optics and a steadying effect for shaky hands.

I found the Voice Caddie TL1 to be every bit as stable as the COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized. I didn’t find a difference between the two except to say that the TL1 consistently gets yardages faster than the Nikon. If that’s because of the stability, I’d have to give the nod to the TL1.

As for optics, for as great as the TL1 is (and it is), the COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized is better. I’ve yet to come across a rangefinder with a clearer, more perfect view than the COOLSHOT.

The TL1 has a built-in magnet, which is awesome for attaching to a cart or clubhead. You’ll find that same feature with other golf rangefinder with slope devices like the Bushnell Pro X3+ and Blue Tees Golf Series 3 Max, just to name a couple. The PROII Stabilized does not include a magnet.

I really love the pulse/vibration feeling from the TL1. The Nikon, on the other hand, only gives you a weak ringing sound when you lock onto a target.

As for hand feel or ergonomics, I think the TL1 and the top-of-the-line from Bushnell, the Pro X3+, stand well above the other contenders.

Voice Caddie TL1 Review: How Accurate Is It?

The TL1 only delivers yardages in whole numbers. That’s the same as with the Bushnell and Blue Tees lasers. Other best golf rangefinder options, like the COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized, give you readouts down to a tenth of a yard.

Frankly, who needs tenths of yards? I know I’m not good enough to benefit from that miniscule of a difference.

As for accuracy, I think each of the products above does an excellent job and really is the main reason they are all candidates for the best rangefinders that money can buy.

In testing the TL1, I compared the distances with sprinkler heads, yardage stakes, other rangefinders, a golf GPS watch, and I paced off distances manually. From what I can tell, the TL1 is spot-on accurate, even from long distances.

Most reassuring is that when I shot a distance and then re-shot from the same spot, I was mostly getting the exact same number. Once in a while, there would be a small oscillation, but never more than a yard or two. And most of the time, it was the same number repeatedly.

Voice Caddie TL1 Golf Rangefinder vs Voice Caddie SL3

Voice Caddie has introduced what looks like two flagship golf rangefinder products, the TL1 and the SL3 (and even the previous generation SL2). But, really, these are two distinctly different products designed to provide different benefits.

The Voice Caddie SL3 is groundbreaking in that it combines a rangefinder with a GPS, all in one device. This means you can get an overview map of the hole, distances to hazards and front, center, back, plus green undulation maps while also being able to shoot numbers with the laser.

It’s incredibly slick. But it’s also $599.99 compared to the $449.99 price of the TL1.

The full set of SL3 features include:

• True Hybrid GPS/Laser Rangefinder
• Pin Tracer (Increased lock on area)
• GPS Pin Assist: Utilizes GPS Data to Filter
• Background and hone in on the Pin
• Slope Integration with Tournament Mode
• Shot Distance Measurement
• Putt View – Elevation / Distance
• Color Touch LCD Screen
• Course layout / GPS yardage view
• Green Undulation / Putt View
• Adjustable Dual Color OLED for Low Light Play
• Optical Angle/High Clarity Lens
• Course layout & Green Undulation is not available for all courses. Currently, Course Layout & Green undulation is active for over 13,000 courses in the US, and 15,000 courses worldwide. (Continuously updating the data library)

The TL1 is a professional-grade golf rangefinder. No hole views or heat maps. Instead, you get lightning-fast readouts, pinpoint accuracy, and a steadying guide for shaky hands.

Each product has its place. But to compare them is a bit apples and oranges.

 

Is the Voice Caddie TL1 Golf Rangefinder a Contender for the Best?

The TL1 isn’t cheap. At $449.99, it’s priced to compete in the best golf rangefinder category. And it most definitely holds its own.

Is it the best? That depends on what you value most.

I think the Nikon COOLSHOT PROII Stabilized is tops if you want the best optics. But the TL1 isn’t far behind.

If you want the most trusted name, it’s Bushnell. They remain the leaders in consumer confidence, and their new top-of-the-line Pro X3+ sets the bar very high.

If you want what might be the overall best golf rangefinder for the money, the Shot Scope PRO ZR is pretty tough to beat.

But if you want the fastest rangefinder, one that’s built as well as any other, and one that’s almost the best in terms of optics, the Voice Caddie TL1 rangefinder becomes a very enticing product.

My only complaint? After experiencing this speed, I’m not sure I can go back. It’s kind of addictive.

About PlayBetter Golf Reviewer Marc Sheforgen

Marc Sheforgen is a golf writer whose passion for the game far exceeds his ability to play it well. Marc covers all things golf, from product reviews and equipment recommendations to event coverage and tournament analysis. When he’s not playing, watching, or writing about golf, he enjoys traveling (often golf-related), youth sports coaching, volunteering, and record collecting.